Royden Owen Baird July 19, 2013

This sweet little boy made his entrance into our lives and our hearts.   

He came with a shock of blonde  hair.

Lillian learning to be gentle.

Three generations of Baird men!

Proud Grandpa!

Hanging out at the hospital 

Lillian loves to hold him.

So does Grandma Baird!

And Great Grandma too!

Rocking a grand baby.  It doesn't get much better than this! 

Summer 2013 Shenanigans

The summer  brought this cute little girl (and her parents) to live with us on Sturbridge Road.   We were so happy to have this funny spirit to challenge us, entertain us, and love us.

I got to go to Young Women Camp this year where I worked for the second year as an assistant camp cook.  They had a construction theme, and throughout the camp, they "built" a temple by hammering on boards representing good deeds.   At the end, they walked across a "value bridge" into the temple.  With the way the sunshine poured out on the temple, I found it even more powerfully symbolic.

Happy Independence Day!   This has to be one of my favorite holidays.   We celebrated with the grand tradition of the Dale City Parade.   We rarely go to DC fireworks, but we were brave, and took the metro to Pentagon City, catching a bus to the Air Force Memorial to see the AF band in concert, and a great view of the fireworks afterward.

Lillian loved going to the pool several times this summer.

It's always a good time when you're spending it with Grandpa!

Spring into Summer 2013

Ryan's a college graduate!   This is Ryan, Dara, and Lillian in front of their house in Charlottesville.   We had some fun times visiting while they lived there.

 Ryan with his Dad

The graduation exercise was like a circus with a seemingly never ending parade of helium filled mylar balloons in every shape imaginable.   I guess that was the best way to pick out your graduate.   Ryan was just another dignified graduate with NO balloon.   (I think he was next to the pink flamingo though.)

His department ceremony was held in a little garden on the grounds.    We're so proud of all his accomplishments!

We took a special trip to Las Vegas before school was over to see Beth in action at her job as an orchestra teacher.   We were there for her school's spring concert.  

Nice office, Beth!

 Her orchestra played beautifully.   The program included a couple of numbers that she had arranged for the group.

After spending some time with Beth, we drove up to Utah to visit a little with the Barnett family.  We had some fun at the splash pad, eating out, and watching some boys get their summer haircuts.

Back in Virginia, and another end of year event - Baird Piano Studio Spring recital.   I'm always thrilled to see the" proof of progress program"!